Won a Newbury maiden on debut (1m2f, good) in July. Held on handicap debut next time (from 6lb lower) but stepped up on that when neck second in 1m4f Wolverhampton novices' event last month. Enters calculations.

Scored over this trip on Lingfield's Polytrack last year from an 11lb higher mark. Not as good on turf where he is 0-12, but didn't do much wrong at Chester last week and can't be ruled out now 2lb lower and back up to this trip.

Won a Lingfield maiden (1m1f, good to firm) in June and has largely been better than that in defeat since, also going close at Kempton (1m4f) in September. Returns after winter break/wind surgery and market check suggested to gauge any confidence.

Sole win came in a Salisbury maiden (1m2f, good to soft) in June. Has posted some respectable, rather than remarkable efforts in handicaps from 1m3f-2m. Beaten 4L from 2lb higher last time and doesn't look an obvious winner here.

Enjoyed a really good 2017, winning four times from 1m3½f-1m6f and rising 25lb in the process. Was entitled to need her reappearance at Chepstow (1m4f, soft) and no reason why she can't have a big say with that under her belt.

Won a 1m4f Ffos Las maiden (heavy) in August when with Stuart Kittow. Raced keenly on debut for this trainer last time when 3½L third from 1lb higher. If that has taken the fizz out of him then he could have a chance here.

Was very much on his toes ahead of his reappearance when beaten 9½L as favourite for his handicap debut at Winsdor (1m2f, good). Should be capable of better than that, but longer trip a concern as far as getting him to settle goes.

Verdict

Sporting Times is interesting after wind surgery and a check for market confidence in his chance looks essential. Hawridge Flyer is not ruled out if he can settle better this time, while Hope Is High could come on for her reappearance and is considered. Magellan is another for the short-list along with Native Fighter, now he is dropped in grade, but preference is for WHITE DESERT, who represents a stable in decent nick and is worth another try in handicaps after a good run last time.

White Desert

Hope Is High

Hawridge Flyer

Video Replay

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